Edinburgh Fringe 2023: our critics’ best shows of the year
As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe draws to a close, we round up our critics’ picks of the best shows this year, from new musicals and plays to verbatim theatre, contemporary dance and performance poetry
Tim Bano
Gunter at Summerhall
Atmospheric retelling of a famous witch trial laced with beautiful music – review by Natasha Tripney
Public – The Musical at Pleasance Courtyard
Vibrant musical that tackles tricky contemporary issues with a cracking pop-rock score – review by Paul Vale
Woodhill at Summerhall
Powerful and emotive verbatim dance show about the failings of the UK prison system – review by Natasha Tripney
Lyn Gardner
Strategic Love Play at Roundabout @ Summerhall
Dating as a gladiator sport in a ferociously good two-hander – review by Lyn Gardner
Gunter at Summerhall
Atmospheric retelling of a famous witch trial, laced with beautiful music – review by Natasha Tripney
Birthmarked at Assembly Rooms
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have branded Brook Tate as an apostate, or dead person. This joyful, life-affirming show is his glorious response – review by Lyn Gardner
Fergus Morgan
Lady Dealer at Roundabout @ Summerhall
A pummelling and profound poem-play about a female drug dealer – review by Fergus Morgan
Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee at Pleasance Dome
A terrific hour of new work from the fringe’s foremost performance poet – review by Fergus Morgan
The Insider at Zoo Southside
A slick, sophisticated show about the Cum-Ex scandal – review by Fergus Morgan
Nicola Rayner
Angel Monster at Assembly Checkpoint
Brisbane company presents stirring feminist call to arms – review by Nicola Rayner
Mass Effect at Summerhall
Invigorating rhythmic performance exploring physical limits and group dynamics – review by Nicola Rayner
After All at Assembly @Dancebase
Death becomes her: moving and memorable one-woman show about mortality – review by Nicola Rayner
Natasha Tripney
Frankie Thompson and Liv Ello: Body Show at Pleasance Courtyard
Intricately constructed and deliciously surreal fusion of the personal with the pop cultural – review by Natasha Tripney
Dark Noon at Pleasance at EICC
Ambitious and exhilarating journey through American history – review by Natasha Tripney
Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at Roundabout @ Summerhall
A blissfully funny one-man romantic odyssey set in Birmingham – review by Fergus Morgan
Paul Vale
Public – The Musical at Pleasance Courtyard
Vibrant musical that tackles tricky contemporary issues with a cracking pop-rock score – review by Paul Vale
Four Felons and a Funeral at Pleasance Courtyard
Complex and emotionally charged romcom that represents a new generation in musical theatre writing – review by Paul Vale
Havisham at Zoo Playground
Imaginatively executed exploration of the backstory of one of Dickens’ most iconic characters – review by Paul Vale
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